Backyard
Neurotoxin On the Way OutEPA Cites Unacceptable
Risk of Diazinon to Consumers

December 11, 2000

The EPA Does It Again

Last summer, the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced that
the pesticide called chlorpyrifos would be
banned. On December 5, 2000, the EPA announced that another widely
used pesticide called diazinon will also be phased
out.

Diazinon: A Popular Backyard Pesticide

Diazinon is used on lawns, around homes and in gardens to kill
insects such as chinchbugs, earwigs, aphids, fruitflies, mites, cutworms,
crane flies, ants, silverfish, and cockroaches. According to the
EPA, over 13 million pounds of diazinon are used each year. About 80% of
the pesticide is used on lawns and for residential control of insects.
Both chlorpyrifos and diazinon are organophosphate chemicals, known neurotoxins that
target and poison the nervous system. Specifically, organophosphates
target the acetylcholine neurotransmitter
system. One of the major sites of the acetylcholine action
is at the neuromuscular junction. The neuromuscular junction is where
acetylcholine is released from a neuron and received by muscle cells. An
enzyme called acetylcholinesterase (AChE) breaks down acetylcholine into
acetate and choline. The action of acetylcholine is therefore stopped by
AChE. Organophosphates act by inhibiting AChE. Therefore, in the
presence of organophosphate pesticides, acetylcholine levels
increase because it is not being broken down. This
results in overactivation of the acetylcholine system which may cause
symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, muscle weakness, dizziness, and
respiratory paralysis in humans. High doses of this poison can even cause
death. Many nerve agents (chemical weapons) also
cause illness and death by inhibiting acetylcholinesterase.

Mode of Entry

When pesticides are sprayed, tiny chemical droplets
are released into the air where they can be breathed in by bugs and
humans. These compounds can be also be absorbed by brushing against
grass, leaves or other surfaces where the chemicals land. Have you ever
had the urge to pluck a ripe peach or apple straight off of a tree and
have a bite? Think twice! Remember to wash off any potential pesticide
that may still be on your fruit.

The US EPA Action

Because of its potential danger to humans, especially children whose
nervous systems are still developing, the EPA will slowly phase out the
use of diazinon. A press release issued by the EPA stated that:

For Indoor Household Use:

manufacturing of diazinon will stop in March 2001.

retail sale of diazinon will stop in December 2002.

For Lawn, Garden and Turf Use:

manufacturing of diazinon will stop in June 2003.

retail sale of diazinon will stop in August 2003.

For 2002, the manufacturing of diazinon will be reduced by 25%; for
2003, the manufacturing of diazinon will be reduced by 50%.

The use of diazinon on 20 different food crops will begin to stop.

Diazinon in the Garage or Tool Shed?

So, what do you do if you have a bottle or can of diazinon at
your house? It is still legal to buy and use diazinon products; just make
sure you follow the directions on the label. The EPA recommends other
precautions when using diazinon:

Wear gloves, long pants and long-sleeve shirts.

Keep yourself and your pets off the grass for several hours after the
pesticide has been applied.

Wash your hands and clothes after using the pesticide.

Prevent the contamination of water (streams, rivers, lakes) to reduce
the risk of pesticide exposure to wildlife by disposing of pesticide
containers properly.

If you or your family decide to get rid of unused diazinon, contact your
state or local hazardous waste disposal program.